Gallatin River Fishing Report via Gallatin River Guides 5.16.22
By angelamontana

Posted: May 17, 2022

The Gallatin River North of Big Sky, Montana has been productive as of late!  The water has risen back up after last weeks weather and is currently dirty but that does not mean that it’s not fishing!  We have some fairly warm weather forecasted in the near future with some precipitation predicted to start and finish the week for us. The dirty water may be here to stay for a little while as the spring runoff begins to take its full form. However, don’t fret this can be some of the most productive fishing of the entire year with fish still hungry and a little bit more predictable to locate.

South of Big Sky, Montana the Gallatin River is completely open.  Above the Taylors Fork Creek, you’ll find the cleanest water on the Gallatin if you are looking for a little easier wading and want to seek refuge from the dirtier water.

Fish are still in a variety of water.  Pocket water, shallower water, and deeper runs. Slow to medium speed water is going to be the name of the game, especially as runoff becomes more prevalent.

This is the beginning of the spring fishing season.  We are still seeing a lot of Mayfly activity, especially on the cool cloudy days.  The Caddis are becoming more on active warmer days and Stonefly nymphs are always on the menu when it comes to the G!

Dries:  Parachute Adams Grey #12-18, Parachute Adams Brown #12-16, Parachute Adams Olive #16-20, Butch Caddis #16, Missing Link #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis Olive #16-18, X Caddis #14-18

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs dark colors (black, brown, coffee/brown, etc.) Larger profile soft hackles: #12-16 Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, Hairs Ear, etc., #8-12, BH Lightning Bug #18-20, Various Perdigons (think dark in the high water)  #16-20, Squirmy Worm #10, Fly Formerly Known as Prince #18, Kelly Galloup’s BWO #16-18, Psycho May Olive #16-18, Zebra Midge (all colors) #16-20, Galloup’s Peacock Hare’s Ear #12-18

Streamers: Wooly Bugger Olive/Black #10, Sparkle Minnow #6-8, Leeches #8-10, Jeremey’s Snack Bite.

 

Our Fly Fishing Guide School has helped lots of anglers achieve their dream of being a fishing guide. With schools throughout the spring and fall, there is likely a week of fishing that will fit your schedule.  Check out our Montana Fishing Guide School to become a more rounded fisherperson or to jump-start your career in this amazing industry.

Even the NY Times has caught wind of the growth of women in the fly fishing industry. Gain the skills to fish confidently on your own in our Montana Women’s Fly Fishing School.

Updated reports for the Gallatin River coming to you from our backyard in beautiful Big Sky, Montana. We know this river like the back of our hands.

 

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